One of Phuket’s highest hills, Khao Khad, also known as Panwa Viewpoint, lies far beyond Panwa Cape. It offers 360-degree hill and sea views to the east and south of Phuket. This 200-foot vantage point provides a lovely view of Taphao Island, Koh Sirey, and Cape Makham to the south. Travelers can also see Kathu, Phuket Town, and Rag Hill to the north, Big Buddha, Palai Beach, Wat Chalong, and Mangrove of Mudong Canal to the west. Finally, Tanan Island, Ao yon Bay, and Ell Island can also be seen to the east.
Panwa Viewpoint, also known as Khao Khad Views Tower, offers a full 360° view over South and East Phuket. Located on the way to Cape Panwa, it’s not crowded like Cape Promthep or Big Buddha, but it’s all so spectacular. There is ample parking here, as well as cafes and shops. The stairs are difficult to climb but well worth it once you get to the top, as the views of southern Phuket are advantageous. A 2-level belief The tower (the top floor is best) has 8 photo keymaps in Thai and English, so you know what you are looking at even though they depict Sirey Island in 2 different locations.
Overview:
Khao Khad Viewpoint (Panwa Viewpoint) is a secluded viewpoint on one of Phuket’s highest and most remote hills and is a bit spooky. With parking for many buses and cars, a shop, and a massive staircase leading to a large tower, you’d expect to find a crowd at the top…but when you arrive, the solitude of the place beckons. Maybe it was only the three times I went to Khao Khad Viewpoint, but I only saw a few cars and a bike. Only one shop is open, and an older man selling drinks watches Muay Thai on TV while commenting on the action to his cats. The site is surprisingly well-maintained and clean, with manicured lawns and lighted signage.
Geography:
Chalong Bay is to the south. Makham Bay, Cape Panwa, and Phuket’s deep water harbor lie to the east, Phuket Town to the north, and in the distance, the Big Buddha can be seen sitting serenely on Ko Nakkerd, a sight exotic in any weather. No wonder they call this wonderful place Khao Khad View(s) Tower, as there are so many things to see here. Similar to the Big Buddha viewpoint, it’s easy to see where the island is open from here. The mines for molten tin used to be located, and as they were filled with rainwater, some now serve as water sources for the community. To reach the viewpoint, drive along Sakdidet Road towards Cape Panwa. After about 3 km, there is a sign for Khao Khad Views Tower on the right side of the road.
What can see there:
So get ready to climb two hundred steps and see how to fit you are. The Panwa Viewpoint building is two levels above the ground floor, and the 360-degree view from the top is impressive. On a clear day, you can see Phang Nga Bay. Some English, Thai, and Japanese signs are strategically placed around the circular space to help you see the beaches and islands around the hill.
